Celebrate Mother's Day with Erie family matriarchs

ChristeenTolbert, seated, is surrounded by her extended family at her home in Erie on May 7. Tolbert used to cook for her extended family every Sunday until she suffered a stroke. Family members are from left to right, Esker Smith, Joe Williams, Ebon Williams, Earl Dawson, Joe Smith, Robert Powell, Ronnie Tango, Jaylynn Williams, Rausaan Powell, Rose Williams, Sherry Powell, Terri Twillie, Ernest Williams, Jennifer Perry, Ebony Williams, Isla Powell, Christeen Tolbert and Emaya Tango. JACK HANRAHAN/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

She's a daughter's first best friend and a son's first true love. A confidante, a caregiver and a teacher.

She's a mother.

This Mother's Day, we profile five Erie family matriarchs as you celebrate and remember your own mother.

Mabel Tarr Peterson, 99, is a two-time cancer survivor and mother of five.

Carol Troop raised six children by herself. She overcame an abusive relationship and went back to school to get an education, raising her children to help and educate others.

Christeen Tolbert, 90, began cooking at age 9. She has passed on not only her recipes, but also her wisdom.

Laura Jackson, 56, worked nights as a nurse to bring up her four boys as a single mother. Struggling to pay bills, she never let her children see her sweat. All of her children now have successful careers and families of their own.

Mary Ann Fessler, 80, is the matriarch of a well-known golfing family. A life coach, Fessler instilled values of competitiveness and faith in her 10 children.